On Tuesday Centre County commissioners approved a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the conviction of whoever sparked a county vehicle on fire.

It happened on Nov. 27th around 1:30 a.m. along the 200 block of E. High Street, in front of the Centre County Sheriff’s Office.

Centre County Sheriff, Bryan Sampsel, said the vehicle was used to transport inmates and it had less than 2,500 miles on it.

No one was injured but Sampsel said it will set the county back about $40,000.

The office does have a history of being vandalized. 

In 2008 there were two instances of county vehicles being targeted and another in 2009.

The office then installed security cameras on the building.

The department has released photos captured of the suspect responsible for the damage in November.

The investigation is ongoing and officials said they know an accelerant was used to ignite the flames.

Sampsel says he’s glad no one was hurt but this crime is not one that should be taken lightly.

“Arson is a bad crime. I mean, it just starts with that. No one was injured at this time but who knows what happens next time. It’s very concerning. It’s close to houses, county property, everything like that,” Sampsel said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Bellefonte Police Department.